Head lice are ‘morphing into superbugs’, RESISTANT to popular off-the-shelf treatments, ITV’s Save Money: Good Health warns

Tonight's episode off ITV's Save Money: Good Health, presented by Dr Ranj and Sian Williams (top centre) tests three popular treatments for the pesky bugs, and finds the insects are evolving to beat sprays and gels

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By Lizzie Parry, digital health editor

17th January 2017,3:22 pm

Updated: 17th January 2017,4:08 pm

HEAD lice are morphing into “superbugs” that are resistant to off-the-shelf treatments, experts will today warn.

The pesky bugs are a common problem, particularly preying on the scalps of school kids, aged four to 11.

Tonight’s episode of ITV’s Save Money: Good Health tests three popular treatments for the irritating insects

The insects have evolved to become resistant to the treatment, he warned.

“It leaves an insecticide residue on the hair,” Mr Burgess will tell viewers.

“Now that sounds great – it protects you.

“Except, they slowly learn biologically to cope with it.”

He said that bugs coming into contact with the insecticide and surviving the encounter is a “worldwide phenomenon”.

While Lyclear Creme Rinse and Puressential Anti-Lice were found to be “less effective”, leaving some bugs crawling around on the scalp, Hedrin Once Spray Gel came out top.

It (Lyclear) leaves insecticide on the hair… they (lead lice) slowly learn biologically to cope with it

Ian BurgessInsect Research & Development Limited

The gel was found to smother or coat the lice, leading Mr Burgess to brand it “completely effective”.

The programme makers contacted each of the companies.

Puressential said their product works by blocking breathing holes, and has been shown to be 80 per cent effective against lice, and 98 per cent effective against eggs.

The makers of Lyclear Creme Rinse acknowledged that resistance to insecticidal treatments has developed, and that the other products in their Lyclear range work in a way which is comparable to the silicone products and unlikely to result in resistance in head lice.

HEAD LICE FACTS

• They can’t fly, jump or swim
• They are very unlikely to be spread by items such as combs, hats or pillows
• They don’t have a preference for dirty or clean hair – nor short or long
• They are specific to people – you can’t catch them from animals
• Once they have been removed from hair, head lice will usually die within 12-24 hours

Dr Ranj tells viewers: “I can see the appeal… if you didn’t want to go to the doctor because you were embarrassed about something then you could order one of these kits online and do it in the comfort of your own home, fair enough.”

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The test diagnoses Dr Ranj with a low sperm count.

But, subsequent tests carried out by specialist medics prove that is not the case.

Programme makers contacted the firm behind the test, who said there can be large variations in sperm produced across test periods.

They said concentrations of sperm are affected by many variables, adding their test was found to be 97 per cent accurate in clinical tests.

The test, they said, is aimed at guiding people to seek medical support.

Save Money: Good Health, seeks out money saving tips for the products we all rely on – from medicine cabinet staples through to your more embarrassing health buys and as well as exploring brand new ways to fix everyday ailments.